Healthe Care Australia has confirmed the Bega Valley Private Hospital will close next Friday, June 29.
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The company said the decision was “not taken lightly” and after careful analysis of the hospital as a going concern.
Healthe Care acquired the hospital in May 2017 as part of the acquisition of Pulse Health and its portfolio of 13 hospitals.
Healthe Care’s head of day surgeries, Greg Procter, said on acquisition the company was committed to exploring all avenues to strengthen the business, despite concerns around the currency of the facility and its equipment.
However, “despite best efforts, low patient volumes combined with significantly ageing equipment means that Bega Valley Private Hospital and its quality of patient care is not sustainable”.
“We recognise the efforts of the entire Hospital team, and understand this is difficult news for staff, doctors, and of course the wider Bega Valley community,” Mr Proctor said.
“We are supporting our staff through the closure and thank them for their understanding. We are also working with doctors to make arrangements for any bookings beyond June 29, to minimise any inconvenience to patients.”
Bega Private Valley Hospital general manager Rhonda Wearn, who has been at the hospital since it opened, echoed Mr Procter’s comments.
“Under Healthe Care ownership, every effort has been made to improve the operational viability of the hospital, but it’s important to recognise that in the long term this is not maintainable.”
Who is affected?
Responding to queries from Fairfax Media, Healthe Care said while some staff will retire or choose to no longer work, up to 15 permanent and casual nursing and administrative staff will seek other employment.
“Hospital management is in discussions with the Southern Regional Local Health District and South East Regional Hospital to fast track and facilitate any applications wherever possible,” a spokeswoman said.
Additionally, BVPH is providing support to around 20 local specialists and doctors to make alternate arrangements for patients already booked.
Other consulting specialists who consult to Bega Valley Private and other hospitals are making necessary arrangements.
As for how many patients are affected by the closure, Healthe Care said hospital management advised all doctors immediately on confirmation of the closure, so no further patient bookings were made.
However, “there are approximately 70 existing patient bookings through to September 2018, and doctors are making alternative arrangements directly with their patients”.